Smaller UPI platforms are set to meet the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to push for a more level playing field against dominant players PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm, according to a report published April 29, 2026. The smaller firms are seeking limits on user acquisition tactics — including using phone contacts to drive app downloads and targeting UPI ID mappers to attract users — as well as tighter rules on monetisation, caps on fees tied to tokenised UPI checkouts, and curbs on collect requests and autopay mandates.
WhatsApp is preparing to roll out SIM binding and tighten measures against digital arrest scams. The platform’s planned steps include sharing aggregate enforcement data and scam typologies at regular intervals, within legal and privacy limits, and complying with India’s Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 — including identifying and labelling synthetically generated content.
Parallel Web Systems, the startup founded by former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, has raised $100 million in a round that values the company at $2 billion, according to the Wall Street Journal. Existing investors Kleiner Perkins, Index Ventures, and Khosla Ventures participated, and Sequoia partner Andrew Reed has joined the board. Agrawal said the funds will go toward expanding sales and marketing and increasing R&D.
Bengaluru-based stock trading startup Sahi has secured $33 million from Accel and Elevation Capital, valuing the firm at $200 million. Cofounder Dale Vaz said Accel Growth contributed approximately $20 million, with the remainder from other investors.
Cognizant has agreed to acquire IT infrastructure firm Astreya for approximately $600 million, with the deal expected to close in the second quarter of 2026. Astreya’s AI tooling and data centre infrastructure capabilities are expected to strengthen Cognizant’s AI builder stack. In its most recent quarter, Cognizant reported 5.8% revenue growth to $5.41 billion, while trimming its full-year revenue forecast to a range of $22.11 billion to $22.64 billion.
On the ground, Indian companies including Mercedes-Benz, NoBroker.com, and Savills India are offering flexible schedules and work-from-home options in response to an ongoing heatwave. Engineering firm KEC has restricted outdoor work between 11 am and 3 pm at most sites and is providing coolers, ORS, buttermilk, and glucose water to workers.
Source: Tech-Economic Times